The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has announced the new composition of its three Regional Boards. A list of members and their biographical details is attached.

SEPA is Scotland's official environmental regulator, responsible for controlling pollution and improving the quality of the Scottish environment. Its main Agency Board is appointed by Scottish Ministers and SEPA appoints members to its three Regional Boards. As the terms of appointment of most current Regional Board members end in June 2000, SEPA advertised in the national press for new members and received a total of 425 applications. A copy of the text of the advertisement is attached for information.

Announcing the Board appointments, SEPA Chairman Ken Collins said:

"The fact that we received over 400 applications for Regional Board membership shows how highly environmental issues rate in Scotland.

"In the selection process, we took into account the guidance issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and her Code of Practice, as well as our own Statutory Guidance on Board appointments. We needed to secure an appropriate balance of local councillors, industry, pollution prevention, conservation and consumer interests. We also had to make sure that there was a good geographic spread of members who live or work across each Region as a whole.

"All in all it was not easy, but I believe we have arrived at a position where we have appointed three excellent Boards who will be able to contribute a great deal to environmental protection in their Regions. Speaking from a national perspective, I am delighted to have their combined expertise on board. Together, they bring to SEPA an unmatched range and depth of knowledge, experience and skills. The input they are able to make to my Board's thinking is invaluable and I very much look forward to working with them."

The new Board members' terms of office commence on 26 June 2000.

A list of Board members is attached (East Region, North Region and West Region), as is a copy of the text of the advertisement which appeared in the Scottish press in January 2000.


• {Text of advertisement which appeared in the Scottish press in January 2000}
  
  The appointments of most members of the three Regional Boards of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) end in June 2000. SEPA now invites applications for the appointment or reappointment of members.
  
  Established in 1996, SEPA is responsible for protecting and improving Scotland's environment and for contributing to sustainable development. It is accountable, through Scottish Ministers, to the Scottish Parliament. Its functions include controlling pollution to land, water and air, as well as the licensing of waste management activities and the use of radioactive substances.
  
  SEPA's three operational Regions cover West, East and North Scotland. Each has a Regional Board which allows the needs and priorities of local communities to be properly taken into account. Regional Board members also play a significant role in promoting SEPA.
  
  SEPA is seeking people with an interest in the environment and with knowledge and experience in pollution control, industry, commerce, conservation, consumer affairs, farming or forestry, or people who are members of local authorities in Scotland.
  
  A minimum time commitment of 1 day per month will be expected for which payment of £1,596 a year plus expenses will be made. The appointments will be made in line with guidance from Scottish Ministers and will be for periods of either two or four years with the possibility of renewal.
  
  Further information and an application form may be obtained from the address below. Applications should be submitted by 18 February 2000, specifying the Regional Board(s) for which the applicant wishes to be considered. All correspondence will be treated in strict confidence.